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Who is a Dermatologist?

A dermatologist (skin specialist) is a qualified medical specialist who, through years of specialty training, has obtained qualifications to specialise in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of skin, nail and hair diseases affecting persons of all ages. Dermatologists in Singapore can also treat sexually transmitted infections.

In Singapore, to qualify as a dermatologist, a doctor needs to obtain a post-graduate degree in internal medicine or paediatrics (which may take about 3 years) before he or she is accepted into a full time dermatology training program. The full time dermatology training programs are offered by recognised dermatological training centres. The basic dermatology training usually lasts for 3 years. At the end of the training, the Ministry of Health certifies the doctor as a dermatologist.

Only doctors listed as dermatologists by the Ministry of Health are recognised dermatologists. Having a diploma in dermatology or diploma in family practice dermatology alone does not qualify a doctor to be a dermatologist.

Dermatologists are experts in the management of skin conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, skin infections, skin allergy, skin cancers and hair loss. In addition, dermatologists are also trained to manage all kinds of cosmetic problems, such as acne scars, pigmentation problems, skin aging and skin laxity. Dermatologists are also experts in carrying out specialized treatments such as surgery for skin cancers and pre-cancerous skin conditions, the use of ultraviolet light therapy, laser therapy, intense pulsed light (IPL) and radio-frequency therapy and hair transplantations.